Survival Outcomes in Primary Angiosarcoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)
Angiosarcoma of the head and neck (ASHN) is a rare entity and confers substantial morbidity and mortality. Yet, the optimal management of ASHN remains unclear. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of ASHN and to identify the most favorable treatment approach.
MATERIALS/METHODS
We performed a systematic review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, using the PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, queried from 1990 until present. Articles in the English language reporting on survival outcomes of adult primary ASHN treated with curative-intent, were included. All estimates were weighted based on sample size. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-sample t-tests were used as appropriate.
RESULTS
A total of 3652 studies were identified, with 14 articles reporting on 2265 ASHN patients, meeting inclusion criteria. Mean ± SD age was 70.6 ± 7.7 years with 1621 (66.6%) men and 812 (33.4%) women. ASHN involved the scalp (n = 176, 57.9%) and the face (n = 128, 42.1%). 249 patients had early stage I-II disease (39.6%) whereas 379 had late stage III-IV disease (60.4%). Most (n = 529, 45.6%) received surgery and radiotherapy (RT), 305 (26.3%) received surgery alone, 210 (18.1%) received definitive RT/chemoradiotherapy (CRT), 75 (6.5%) received surgery and CRT, and 33 (2.8%) received surgery and chemotherapy. Negative margins were achieved in 471 (55.9%) whereas 371 (44.1%) had…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,265 participants or records.
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